Eaglecrest board contemplates Cropley Lake trail, cabin

The Eaglecrest board of directors discussed the possibility of a developed trail from the lodge to Cropley Lake or nearby. If built, the trail could eventually lead to a cabin.

Board members discussed the route of the trail. Some suggested Nordic skiers traverse the two points in the winter with Global Positioning Satellite receivers to plot a useful route.

The trail won’t be groomed in the winter, as it is expected to be used by backcountry Nordic skiers. People won’t be skating on this trail, the board members said. For Eaglecrest, the trail would allow access for summer maintenance and winter grooming.

There are still hurdles to clear before construction on the trail starts, including mitigating avalanche dangers and accounting for sensitive wetlands.

Eaglecrest General Manager Matt Lillard said the trail could be built in a number of stages.

Other plans at the ski area include the construction of a learning center. Lillard said he would prefer to submit the center, and trail plans to the Corp or Engineers in one package. A trail can be cut either part-way to Cropley Lake to meet Eaglecrest’s needs or cut all the way to the lake. Lillard asked the board for guidance.

The Eaglecrest foundation has about $10,000 to put toward a cabin at Cropley Lake, board member Wayne Stevens said. This is not enough to build a cabin, but the board expected the popularity of the idea could help raise the proper funds.

The board also discussed the prospect of opening a hostel at the ski lodge.